Renald Rotin, 25, Michael Ellul, 21, and Mario Scerri, 22, were accused of trying to rob a lotto office in Zabbar to the detriment of David Desira early in the morning on 22 March 2001. They were also accused of damaging the lotto office.

Mr Rotin and Mr Ellul alone were accused of stealing cash and damaging property belonging to Rita Portelli from Zabbar on the night of 13 to 14 February 2001. They were also accused of stealing cash and other items from Big Bon in Zabbar as well as damaging the shop.

Mr Rotin and Mr Ellul alone were also accused of stealing cash from a lotto office in Cospicua on the night of 22 and 23 February 2001 as well as damaging the office. They were further accused of stealing cash and other items from another lotto office in Cospicua.

Mr Ellul alone was further charged with the attempted theft of cash and other items from yet another lotto office to the detriment of George Vella from Zabbar as well as damaging his property.

Mr Rotin alone was also accused of stealing several objects from car parked in Zabbar and a van parked in Cospicua. He was also accused of relapsing.

Before magistrate Anthony Vella, the three men pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

Police inspectors Carmelo Bartolo and Alfred Mallia prosecuted while Dr Jose Herrera and Dr Veronique Dalli appeared for the defendants.